Carpet Stain Removal Tips For 12 Tough Stains

Get up to 4 Free Quotes!

Zip Code

Project

Always read and follow the care instructions and any warnings provided by the carpet manufacturer. Rugs and carpets with natural fibers and/or certain dyes may require special treatment. If in doubt, contact a cleaning professional for advice or service. To keep your carpet looking its best, vacuum dirt away regularly and clean it periodically.

Asphalt, tar: Use a table knife to scrape up what you can without spreading it. Soak a clean rag with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and blot up the stain by rubbing in the same direction only. Do not rub in a circle because that may damage the twisted yarns. Do not let the alcohol penetrate to the backing, where it may destroy the latex bond.

Blood: Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of cold water. Spray it if you can on the area and blot it dry. If that doesn’t work, try 1/5 cup chlorine to a 4/5 cups of water. Do not use the ammonia on wool or wool-blend and don't use the chlorine on dyed carpets.

Chewing Gum: Freeze the gum by covering it with ice in a plastic bag, then hit it with a blunt object like a spoon. Vacuum and then blot with a towel.

Coffee/Tea: Blot up excess with paper towel and then neutralize with one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of cold water. Blot dry.

Crayon: Wipe up excess with paper towel and then dampen area with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Keep blotting to remove the stain.

Grease: Put a paper towel down and iron on warm. The grease should attach to the towel.

Ink: Use a mixed solution of ¼ teaspoon vinegar and water on a paper towel.

Nail Polish: Wet a paper towel with a non-oil nail polish remover and blot the area clean.

PaintClean up the initial spill with paper towels and a table knife to remove excess paint. Soak a clean rag in isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub the area clean. Do not rub in a circular motion; just gently back and forth.

Shoe Polish: Wipe up with rag soaked in isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

Vomit: Clean up initial amount with spoon. Blot up excess with paper towels. Spray the area with a mixture of one tablespoon clear household ammonia and one cup of water and blot dry as you clean.

Wine: Blot up the spill immediately. Apply a mix of ¼ teaspoon white vinegar or non-bleach detergent and 32 ounces of water to neutralize the wine and blot dry. If that doesn't work, try one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of cold water and blot dry.